Scientific Editor

Organization Overview

The Rockefeller University Press (RUP) publishes a portfolio of biomedical research journals: The Journal of Cell Biology, The Journal of Experimental Medicine, The Journal of General Physiology, and the newly launched Journal of Human Immunity. RUP also publishes the Life Science Alliance journal in alliance with EMBO Press and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. The RUP portfolio supports both Gold open access and hybrid publishing models to allow as many researchers as possible to find appropriate publication outlets. All editorial decisions are made in conjunction with active academic scientists, and peer-review operations, pre-press production, marketing, and institutional sales are carried out at the RUP offices. We are committed to identifying and publishing the highest-quality research.
Overview

The Scientific Editor works in collaboration with Executive Editor, Scientific Editors, and academic Monitoring Editors to attract and identify high-quality primary research articles in the diverse fields covered by the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM) and manages peer-review of select manuscripts, without missing deadlines or need for supervision.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the JEM Executive Editor, the Scientific Editor (*Senior Scientific Editor) will oversee the editorial and peer review process for submitted manuscripts at Journal of Experimental Medicine. Key duties include:

Manuscript Handling:

• Conducts editorial assessment of primary research manuscripts submitted to JEM, including managing the peer-review and publication of a select group of manuscripts and of invited front matter articles for JEM
• Summarizes research findings presented in the manuscript and provides initial editorial evaluation of the manuscript
• Collaborates with JEM academic Monitoring Editors throughout the editorial and peer-review process, from initial evaluation to acceptance of publication
• Identifies three suitable referees for manuscripts being sent out to review and performs a thorough evaluation of referee critiques keeping in mind JEMs bar for publication
• Handles any associated appeals and rebuttal communications with authors
• Stays up to date with cutting-edge scientific developments, both conceptual and technical
• Recommends transfer of declined manuscripts to sister journals, including Life Science Alliance, where appropriate
• Engages in regular discussion with Executive Editor to refine manuscript handling, communication style, and decision parameters
• Ensures that published manuscripts are accordance with JEM’s formatting and reporting guidelines and policies
• All Scientific Editors are responsible for commissioning and handling/editing Spotlight and People & Ideas articles
• Recruit high quality research articles to JEM

Other journal-promoting duties:

• Puts together collections to be distributed in conjunction with conferences and meetings
• Commissions and curates cover art submissions
• Contributes to annual JEM competitor analysis and strategy meeting
• Analyzes publications in JEM and JEM-competitor journals in selected subject area (as determined by the Executive Editor) and presents their analysis of the strengths and weakness of JEM in each of these areas
• Contributes to discussion on how to improve JEM’s visibility in and attract high quality manuscripts in subject areas not well represented in the journal

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in a biomedical discipline or related area is required
• Strong interest in scientific publishing and publication ethics
• Ability to engage in regular travel to attend scientific meetings and to visit research institutions
• Exceptional communication skills and superb attention to detail

• *Two or more years of full-time editorial experience is required for Senior Scientific Editor position

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral experience strongly preferred
• Experience in cancer immunology or cancer immunotherapy research, or specific knowledge of those areas, is preferred

Rockefeller University Press is located in New York, NY, on the beautiful campus of The Rockefeller University. The Press follows a hybrid work schedule. We offer an excellent benefits package, tuition reimbursement and a competitive salary.

The Rockefeller University is an equal opportunity employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics, including but not limited to protected veteran status. 

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Compensation Range: Min

USD $80,000.00/Yr.
Compensation Range: Max

USD $85,000.00/Yr.